United Kingdom · Passport / Visa Photo
UK Passport Photo Size & Specs
A UK passport photo is 35×45 mm with a plain light grey or cream background. The head must measure 29–34 mm from chin to crown (about 73% of the photo height). HM Passport Office accepts photos submitted digitally for online applications and printed photos for postal renewals. The most distinctive UK rule: no smiling. Neutral expression only.
Official spec
- Size
- 35×45 mm at 300 DPI
- Background
- Plain light grey or cream (not pure white)
- Head height
- 29 mm to 34 mm chin to crown (about 73% of photo height)
- At 300 DPI
- 413 × 531 px
Accepted for
- UK passport (new + renewal)
- UK driving licence
- BRP biometric residence permit
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Rules that get checked
- Neutral expression with mouth closed — do not smile.
- Both eyes open, looking directly at the camera.
- No glasses unless medically required (with supporting evidence).
- Hair must not obscure the face or eyes.
- No head coverings except for religious reasons (face fully visible).
Common reasons photos get rejected
These are the issues passport / visa authorities flag most often for United Kingdom applications. Most are avoidable with a careful re-shoot or the AI background tool.
- Smiling (the most common reason).
- Background is pure white — UK requires light grey or cream, not white.
- Eyes obscured by hair or glasses reflections.
- Head not facing camera squarely.
- Photo more than one month old (UK requires recent photos).
FAQs
Can I smile in a UK passport photo?
No. HM Passport Office explicitly requires a neutral expression with mouth closed. Smiling is the most common reason UK photos get rejected.
What background colour does the UK need?
Light grey or cream — not pure white. Pure white photos are commonly rejected. ImageSuite's UK preset defaults to light grey.
Can I submit a digital photo for online renewal?
Yes. The online passport renewal service accepts digital photos meeting the spec. You upload the photo during the application.
How recent does the photo need to be?
Within the last month, per HM Passport Office. They check this by comparing against your previous photo on file.
Official source: verify these specs against the United Kingdom passport authority before submitting.
https://www.gov.uk/photos-for-passports